Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
Recreational Trails Program Timeline
The Recreational Trails Program is an 80/20 matching grant program that provides funding for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail projects. Examples of eligible projects include the construction of new recreation trails, restoration of existing trails, development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages, purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment, land acquisition/easements, trail accessibility assessment.
The RTP is administered at the state level through the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD), and federally through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Applicants may request grant amounts ranging from a minimum of $30,000 up to a maximum of $250,000.
The following entities are eligible and may apply:
- Cities, counties, and townships
- Park boards and park districts
- State and federal agencies
- Registered non-profit organizations
- Federally-recognized Indian tribes
Please note: Only federal, state and municipal agencies qualify for funding of equipment for recreational trail construction and maintenance.
Important Information
- The current application cycle is for FY24 projects.
- Title VI requirements.
- Minimum grant request dollar amount is $30,000.
- Maximum grant request dollar amount is $250,000.
- Only federal, state and municipal agencies qualify for funding of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment.
Featured Completed RTP Project
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa: ATV Trailside Facilities
The use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) for both utility and recreation has grown in North Dakota, particularly in the northwest region where the Turtle Mountain landscape attracts trail riders. The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Tribe secured a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant in 2021 to enhance their ATV trail near Belcourt. The grant facilitated the installation of two vault toilets and resurfacing of the trail parking lot on the 8.87-mile TMBC ATV Trail, which connects to the 12-mile North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department trail. The trail features various paths, including the Tyler Grant Memorial Trail, Wakopa Recreational Trail, and Silver Bullet Trail.
Jeffery Desjarlais Jr., TMBC Natural Resource Director, passionate about motorized recreation, aimed to improve facilities on the trail. The addition of ATV trailside parking areas with vault toilets, especially considering the growing number of female riders, enhances the trail experience. The Aspen-style vault toilets offer accessible women's and men's rooms equipped with essentials like toilets, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer stations. The trail community expressed excitement and gratitude through social media and visits to the TMBC Natural Resources Division office, acknowledging the RTP grant's vital role in expanding facilities and improving the overall trail experience.